Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Conservation Pheasant Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears testimony to remove sunset on Michigan pheasant-stamp program
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony supporting House Bill 4401, which would remove the sunset on a self-funded pheasant-release program funded by a pheasant license; no committee vote was taken.
Representative Green, sponsor of House Bill 4401, told the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism that the measure would simply remove the sunset provision from an existing pheasant-stamp program.
"Very simple. This just removes the sunset of a bill that already exists, a piece of legislation that exists, and that is operating quite well," Representative Green said during testimony. She introduced Jack Ammerman of the Michigan Pheasants Hunting Initiative as a witness.
The program discussed is self-funded through sales of a pheasant license, and proponents said it has increased participation at state game areas. Jack Ammerman described the program’s effect on participation and on creating new hunters, saying organizers now sometimes hear from first-time participants who return later with a photo of their first rooster pheasant. Justin Tomei of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs told the committee the program is a “wholly positive experience” and said the fund has grown steadily.
Witnesses and members cited program statistics during questioning. A supporter said there are "232 days till the self funding program ends," and testimony gave license-sale figures of about 7,000–7,500 pheasant licenses sold annually, with additional free or exempt licenses for veterans, disabled hunters and youth.
Several conservation organizations submitted cards supporting the bill, including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Michigan DNR legislative staff (card only), Michigan Hunting Dog Federation and others. Committee members asked sponsors to describe outcomes and successes of the self-funding model and how releases have affected access and participation.
No formal motion or committee vote on House Bill 4401 was recorded at this meeting; committee proceedings moved to other agenda items after testimony and the reading of supporting cards.
